(INDIANAPOLIS) - A woman whose body was found along the White River downtown had been shot, and a gun was found nearby, police said.

Jack Rinehart of RTV6 reports that a bicyclist riding along the White River trail near West New York Street first called police just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The body of the woman, who was later identified as Sherese Bingham, 51, was found near the trail.

She had been shot in the chest. Police said they had not determined Thursday if her death was a homicide or a suicide.

Two German Shepherds were found pacing near the body, and seemed protective of the woman, including one who ran to a nearby vehicle, police said.

"One of the dogs went back to the vehicle, knew that vehicle so, we're investigating if that vehicle may have been involved, if it's the deceased's vehicle," said Indiana State Police Sgt. Rich Myers.

The trail, which is frequented by joggers, bike riders and students from nearby Indiana University Purdue University-Indianapolis, is a relatively safe area, police said.

"The campus is a safe campus, and what we advise is the community, staff and students and visitors just be aware of your surroundings," said Officer Dave Briggs with IUPUI police. "The campus is a safe campus and we have people here 24-7 patrolling the campus and officers on foot and in the squad cars. it is a safe campus."